If this is going to be your first "gun dog" than let us congratulate you on picking two of the most exceptional breeds of this type of dog. Checkmate Kennels is more than just a breeder we actually own these breeds and feel they are head and shoulders above any of the other breed in this catagory. We are excited to help you with this decision and hope you get the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle. Wether your looking for a hunting dog or a family pet you will not be disappointed in either of these two breeds. Please take a few minutes to read about each dog. Checkmate Kennels likes to make sure that our dogs go to best homes where they can flourish and live happy, long, love filled lives.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
A breed of dog belonging to the Retriever, Gundog, and Sporting breed groups.Members of the breed may also be referred to as a Chessie, CBR, or Chesapeake. The breed was developed in the United States Chesapeake Bay area during the 19th century. Historically used by area market hunters to retrieve waterfowl, it is primarily a family pet and hunting companion. They are often known for their love of water and their ability to hunt. It is a medium to large sized dog similar in appearance to the Labrador Retriever. The Chesapeake have a curly coat, rather than the Labrador's smooth coat. They are described as having a bright and happy disposition, courage, willingness to work, alertness, intelligence, and love of water as some of their characteristics.

TEMPERMENT

The quintessential Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quite good sense, and an affectionate protective nature. Some can be quite vocal when happy, and some will 'smile' by baring their front teeth in a peculiar grin - this is not a threat but a sign of joy or submissiveness.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can make excellent family dogs when socialized properly. Some Chesapeakes are assertive and willful and may be reserved with strangers, but others are passive and outgoing with people.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an intelligent breed and learns at a high speed. Historically considered stubborn and difficult to train, many trainers thought this breed required more physical discipline than other retriever breeds. Chesapeakes were bred for an excess of natural hunting ability, rather than train-ability, which leads to the erroneous conclusion that they are stubborn or hard-headed when in actuality they are responding to their instinctive hunting talent. Some trainers now recommend that the Chesapeake Bay Retriever owner use consistent, daily obedience training with play time before and after to keep the dog wanting to work with little or no physical discipline required.

English Springer Spaniel

A breed of gun dog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. It is an affectionate, excitable breed with an average lifespan of twelve to fourteen years. Descended from the Norfolk or Shropshire Spaniels of the mid-19th century, the breed has diverged into separate show and working lines. It is closely related to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and very closely with the English Cocker Spaniel; less than a century ago, springers and cockers would come from the same litter. They are used as sniffer dogs on a widespread basis. The term springer comes from the historic hunting role, where the dog would "spring" (flush) birds into the air.

TEMPERMENT

The typical Springer is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey.An affectionate and easy-going family dog, its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. The English Springer Spaniel ranks 13th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, considered an excellent working dog. It has exceptional stamina and needs moderate amounts of activity, to focus its mind and to provide exercise, although this is different for each dog. Its long-legged build makes it among the fastest of the spaniels.

It is a sociable breed that enjoys the company of children and handles the company of other pets well. If left alone for too long, they can become destructive and mischievous through boredom. They love the water, and tend to get wet whenever they have the chance

Basic Healthcare and Feeding

At Checkmate Kennels we beleive in feeding the best, highest quality foods available to you. Just like in humans the quality of the food cosumed makes a huge impact on the health and well being of your pet. If your in doubt check with your family vet they will lead you in the right direction.